Giant Silkworm Caterpillars (Family Saturniidae) We have many species of silkworm caterpillars in Kentucky, but only two members of this group possess poisonous spines. These are large leaf feeding caterpillars with numerous spines over the body. Some moths in this family represent some of the most colorful and showiest moths in the commonwealth.
Are there stinging caterpillars in Kentucky?
But we have several few stinging caterpillars of various shapes, sizes and colors. We are fortunate that only the caterpillar stage of these species sting, the adults do not have stinging hairs. This factsheet describes some of the more commonly encountered stinging caterpillars in Kentucky which cause serious reactions.
What kind of bugs are in Kentucky?
These 10 Bugs Found In Kentucky Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine 1 Paper Wasp Colony 2 Assassin Bug 3 Brown Recluse 4 Camel Cricket aka Spider Cricket 5 Cicada Killer Wasp 6 Hercules Beetle 7 Pincher Bug 8 Red Velvet Ant 9 Southern Devil Scorpion 10 Tobacco Hornworm
Are hackberry caterpillars poisonous?
Beneath the long hair are numerous short poisonous spines that can cause severe irritation. They are found feeding on various trees and shrubs, including apple, elm, maple, hackberry, oak, sycamore and others. Young caterpillars often feed in groups.
Are flannel caterpillars poisonous?
There are several species of flannel caterpillars that may be encountered. The most commonly reported ones are the puss moth caterpillar and the white flannel moth caterpillar, but others in the group also possess stinging hairs. Unlike other stinging caterpillars the venomous spines are hidden underneath longer silky hairs.
How can you tell if a caterpillar is venomous?
Caterpillars that are brightly colored, have spines or hairs are probably venomous and should not be touched. "If it is in a place where it can cause problems, clip off the leaf or use a stick to relocate it," Ric Bessin, an entomologist at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, tells USA TODAY.
What caterpillar are poisonous?
The Saddleback caterpillar, buck moth caterpillars, puss caterpillars, and Io moth caterpillars are some of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States. The Io moth caterpillar has a red and white stripe that runs on the lateral sides of its body.
Are poisonous caterpillars harmful to humans?
A poisonous caterpillar will harm you if you touch, breathe or consume it due to the toxic substance it carries.
Can you get poisoned by a caterpillar?
Most problems from caterpillar exposures are due to tiny hairs (setae) or actual spines on a caterpillar's body. Some cause allergic reactions. A few of these insects contain a toxin and can actually cause poisoning, though that is not common in the US.
What fuzzy caterpillars are poisonous?
A fluffy caterpillar is one of the most venomous caterpillars in the United States. The puss caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis) has hidden toxic spines underneath its fur.
Is there a venomous caterpillar in the US?
The puss caterpillar, which is the larva of the southern flannel moth, is the most venomous caterpillar in the U.S. and even a simple brush with the insect can cause "excruciating pain," according to National Geographic. The caterpillars' fur hides toxic spines that stick to your skin.
What happens if you touch a poisonous caterpillar?
The spike-like hairs in a few dozen caterpillar species are actually quills connected to poisonous sacs. Touch these hairs and they may break off in your skin, releasing a tiny dose of toxin in the process.
What's the most poisonous caterpillar in the United States?
The puss caterpillarThe puss caterpillar, which is the larva of the southern flannel moth, is the most venomous caterpillar in the U.S. and even a simple brush with the insect can cause excruciating pain. The caterpillars' fur hides toxic spines that stick to your skin.
Is a hawk moth caterpillar poisonous?
Are elephant hawk-moths poisonous? Despite their bright and colourful appearance, elephant hawk-moths (both as adults and caterpillars) are not poisonous and are harmless to both people and pets. In fact, the large caterpillars only pretend to be fierce.
Are black fuzzy caterpillars poisonous?
Black and brown caterpillars such as the Woolly Bear aren't poisonous or a stinging variety. Usually, handling one of these fuzzy worm-like creatures with their spiky tufts of hair may cause skin irritation or contact dermatitis. One characteristic of the Woolly Bear caterpillar is its defense mechanism.
Are green and black caterpillars poisonous?
Caterpillars are larvae before they turn into moths or butterflies. Most species of green caterpillars have smooth bodies and are completely harmless. Although green caterpillars aren't poisonous, some have spikes or spines that can give you a nasty sting. In fact, one green caterpillar species even spits acid!
What is a stinging rose caterpillar?
Stinging Rose Caterpillar (Parasa indetermina) A yellow to red spiny caterpillar with black and blue stripes down the middle of its back and less distinct red, blue and black stripes along the side of the body. There are prominent spiny yellow horns on the front, rear and center of the body.
Where do caterpillars eat?
The caterpillars are usually seen feeding on the undersides of leaves. Figure 10.
What do puss moth caterpillars eat?
The younger larvae bear long white wispy hairs. They feed on a wide variety of hardwood plants and can be common in late summer.
How big is a white flannel moth?
The mature white flannel moth caterpillar can reach 1-1/4 inch in length. The yellow body is marked with wide black stripe down the back bordered with red at each end. There are 11 pairs of raised yellow tuffs along this strip bearing hairs (setae). There are smaller tuffs along each side of the body.
What do black wave flannel moths eat?
They feed on a wide variety of hardwood plants and can be common in late summer. The sting of black wave flannel moth is usually not a severe as the puss caterpillar. Figure 5. Color variation with black wave flannel moth caterpillar. Note they are missing the long tail of the more venomous puss caterpillar.
What are the reactions of saddleback caterpillars?
Reactions can range from a mild itching to the more severe pain, swelling, blistering, dermatitis, and even intestinal disturbances. Figure 1. Urticating hair tip of a saddleback caterpillar showing the pore near the tip from which the toxin is secreted and the weakened ring where the tip breaks off the spine.
What is a slug caterpillar?
Slug Caterpillars (Family Limacodidae) Slug caterpillars are short and stocky and creep about on leaves in a slug-like manner. The head and legs are not visible from above. Typically, there is one generation per year with the grown larvae found in the late summer. Figure 8.
How many bugs are there in Kentucky?
Kentucky has over 300 insect species that have been documented, but let us just focus on some of the most disturbing. Truth is, some creepy crawlies stay out of our range of vision, or hide deep beneath our fertile soil. There are familiar bugs, and those that make you hope they remain unseen.
Do scorpions have poison?
Though they look like their desert loving cousins, these scorpions lack the poison of their brethren. Their sting is no less painful though, so campers are advised to shake out their sleeping bags. They prefer to hide among leaves, plants, and wood.
Do temperamental bugs lay eggs?
No, these are not ornamental. These temperamental insects build their nests near humans, as that's where they get their supplies. They lay eggs in their paper cones and guard them with ferocity. Not friendly bugs at all.
Effects
Biology
- We have many species of silkworm caterpillars in Kentucky, but only two members of this group possess poisonous spines. These are large leaf feeding caterpillars with numerous spines over the body. Some moths in this family represent some of the most colorful and showiest moths in …
Life cycle
- The mature two-inch caterpillar is brown to purplish black with numerous yellow spots. The body is clothed with branched black spines that may have red or black tips. These can be quite common on oak or willow trees from spring to mid-summer. They are commonly encountered when mature larvae wander off the trees where they fed in search of places to pupate. There is …
Description
- The caterpillar is brown in front and rear, green in the middle with a purple spot in the center of the green saddle. There are two prominent horns on both the front and rear. Stings by this insect can cause severe irritation. Saddlebacks can be common are typically found on deciduous trees such as basswood, chestnut, cherry, oak, and plum, but occasionally they can be numerous on corn.
Treatment
- No really effective home first aid treatments for caterpillar stings are available. Adhesive tape or transparent tape may be used to pull out some of the broken spines in the sting area. Washing the area thoroughly with soap and water may help remove some of the irritating venom. Prompt application of an ice pack or baking soda may help to reduce pain and prevent swelling. Antihist…
Prevention
- Generally, stinging caterpillars are infrequently encountered and preventive sprays are not recommended. When single caterpillars are found, often the leaf or stem they are on can be clipped and relocated. But where stinging caterpillars are numerous or present hazards to persons, such as around residences, recreation areas or schools, infested shrubs and trees may …
Safety
- CAUTION! Pesticide recommendations in this publication are registered for use in Kentucky, USA ONLY! The use of some products may not be legal in your state or country. Please check with your local county agent or regulatory official before using any pesticide mentioned in this publication. Of course, ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS FOR SAFE USE OF ANY PESTICIDE!